Director/Senior Director, China Policy

Position description

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Director or Senior Director for China Policy in its National Security and International Policy (NSIP) department.

The Director or Senior Director will help set the overall direction of American Progress’ China policy program by conceptualizing and leading a substantial research agenda; leading policy outreach and coalition efforts; and managing relationships across American Progress and with external stakeholders, including policymakers, the media, funders, and partner organizations, to advance American Progress’ agenda toward critical issues in the U.S.-China relationship. This portfolio will focus on China’s role in the context of transnational challenges and international relations with countries and regions across the world.

The Director or Senior Director will manage day-to-day operations for American Progress China efforts such as setting and implementing strategic plans, managing research staff, working with other members of the NSIP department, and contributing to fundraising activities to support the program.

This individual’s work will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. American Progress focuses on building connectivity between national security and international policy issues and the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the political and policy challenges in the U.S.-China relationship on bilateral, transnational, and regional matters; executive and/or legislative branch experience; relationships with key players in the field; project management experience; and strong Chinese language skills.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day leadership of American Progress’ China agenda.
• Develop a policy, research, and communications agenda.
• Work with the department’s Senior Vice President and American Progress’ executive leadership to set the strategic direction for the organization’s priorities related to China policy, including in the transnational context and in China’s conduct at the global level and with countries and regions across the world.
• Work closely with other policy experts at American Progress to find areas of collaboration and define shared messages and policy strategies.
• Identify appropriate research, analysis, political strategies, and communications to be conducted and advanced by the team or through partnerships.
• Conceive, research, write, and edit original products and other materials as needed.
• Oversee the development of products—including reports, issue briefs, and columns—op-eds, related events, and other routes to disseminate information that advances American Progress’ China policy agenda in ways that increase opportunities to improve policy outcomes.
• Assist the department’s Senior Vice President and American Progress’ Development department in fundraising to meet the department’s work plan.
• Promote department priorities and work products both inside and outside the organization.
• Represent American Progress with respect to international political accountability policy with the public, media, and other outside groups and individuals.
• Build and maintain key relationships across the China policy community, including with policymakers and allied organizations.
• Monitor and update American Progress senior leadership on news and events related to relevant policy debates in Congress, the administration, international organizations, and abroad.
• Help guide American Progress’ strategic responses to federal policy and political developments, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience. A J.D. or doctorate is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge and extensive experience working on China.
• Strong Chinese language skills, both written and oral, are a plus.
• Knowledge of federal policymaking and experience working with Congress, federal agencies, and/or relevant international organizations.
• Established relationships with U.S. and foreign policymakers, advocates, and research community leaders in the China policy space.
• Excellent presentation, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills. Quantitative skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic, long-term plans.
• Significant management experience.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefit package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union. The Director position has a minimum salary of $92,000, and the Senior Director position has a minimum salary of $112,000.

American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.

Application instructions

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